Review: 2003 Vindication by Latitude 46 N

There was something unique about today. There was a nearly palpable buzz in the air. Everyone was participating in a single conversation. So, in honor of Tuesday, January 20, I picked up a bottle of wine for the occasion. Vindication was in order.

I had a full day of speeches and festivities to catch up on when I got home. What better way to soak it in than with a glass of vino?

Keynote Speaker:

• 2003 Vindication, Latitude 46? N Winery (www.latitude46.com)
• Blend: 70% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Syrah
• Region: Columbia Valley
• Produced in Walla Walla, Washington
• Alcohol: 14.3%
• Price: $29.00

Keynote Address:
The bottle opened with the expected crack of foil and pop of cork. Saliva glands did the wave.

The packaging befits a winery named after a navigational tool. A background consisting of a sepia map of the Walla Walla area and a superimposed compass rose, it calls attention to the corner of the globe where the wine is produced, and where many of the grapes come from. It also adds a nostalgic mystique worthy of an Indiana Jones adventure.

Pouring a glass reveals a deep ruby, nearly opaque juice. Gorgeous, dark and leggy, the wine is worthy of the new First Lady.

On the nose, the alcohol is apparent. Beneath it, though are notes of black currant, cherry, blackberry, and pepper.

Taking a sip, this wine has a huge attack. Bold, deep and unapologetic, Vindication bowls over every taste bud. Tannin, acid and alcohol are well-balanced…all of them BIG. Built like a Beverly Hills brick shithouse, Vindication is rock-solid.

The fruit really shines. Rich and layered, you get the sweet-tart bitterness of raspberries sprinkled with lemon juice, blueberries and a little rhubarb. There are also very subtle hints of anise, nutmeg and cinnamon sticks. But, by far, it’s fruit, fruit, fruit all the way from lips to gullet.

The 2003 Vindication is impressive from start to finish, and it’s just damned enjoyable. A nice job by Latitude 46? N.